I don’t think the joys of networking can be stressed enough. Too often authors seek and receive advice on writing, editing, publishing, and promotion, but networking gets overlooked in the commotion. And that’s a shame because it’s such a beautiful thing. It lets us build bridges, forge friendships, and share fabulous content with our readers that we and they otherwise may have missed.

For example, it was through networking that I met my guests today (in this case, an online group of like-minded authors). I may have seen them sporadically on friends’ blogs, but I never would have known that John’s wife and I are from the same area and Gwen lives relatively close to me (two hours-ish by car, if you consider that close). I also wouldn’t have known what wonderful people and talented authors they are. And I never would have been able to shine a spotlight on their work.

So, let’s do a little networking today. Check out this post about their latest release (their first joint effort together) and start a dialogue with them in the comments. But first, let’s give them a warm welcome.

The CONTRACT between heaven and earth

By John W. Howell & Gwen M. Plano

Thank you, Staci, for inviting us to join you today. We know your specialty is suspense, action . . . Fiction that flutters the heart. We are honored and grateful to be featured on your beautiful blog and think The Contract fits right in. Thank you for this opportunity.

The CONTRACT is a different story for writers John W. Howell and Gwen M. Plano. For either of them, it is their first attempt at co-authorship. After a year of Hurricane Harvey and other challenges, they have created what they have termed an inspirational thriller that bridges heaven and earth.

The Blurb:

The earth is threatened with a catastrophic political event which could result in international warfare and destroy all life on the planet. In heaven, a divine council decides that extraordinary measures are essential. They call for an intervention that involves two souls returning to earth. The chosen two sign a contract that they will work to avert the disaster.

Brad Channing, a Navy SEAL, and Sarah O’Brien, a teacher, become heaven’s representatives on earth. The story follows them as they individually and then together face overwhelming obstacles and eventually end up on a strategic Air Force base in California. It is there that they discover a conspiracy to assassinate the President of the United States. The terrorists have a plan for global dominance, and they are determined to complete their mission. Although military leadership appears to have the President’s best interests at heart, it is not clear who can be trusted and who should be feared. The action is rough and tumble as Brad and Sarah try to figure out the culprits for the plot that will turn into a worldwide conflagration unless stopped.

If you enjoy thrillers, this is one with enough twists and adventure to keep you riveted and guessing. If you like your thriller along with a good romance, Brad and Sarah’s initial attraction and eventual love will sustain you as they live out their heavenly and earthly desires.

When they stepped out into the brisk air, Brad wrapped his arm around Sarah and pulled her close. “Will you be warm enough? I have a jacket in the car.”

Sarah didn’t know how to respond. With his arm around her, she felt warm—in fact, a bit more than just warm. Maybe I should accept his jacket, but I don’t want to wear it and give up his arm.

“Sarah?”

“I just thought that it had been a while since a gentleman had his arm around me.” I can’t believe I just said that.

Brad turned to face her, his hands now around her waist, “I hope you like being held close.”

Sarah nodded, her eyes welling. Brad leaned and offered a first kiss. Sarah felt fifteen again, swept off her feet by prince charming.

“If I keep my arm around you, will you be warm enough?”

Sarah beamed. He had reframed his question, and she nodded yes.

Brad smiled. “I thought so.”

Under a street lamp busy with swarming intruders, Brad drew Sarah close, and with tenderness, kissed her. When she relaxed into his arms, Brad took a deep breath in, and his eyes shone wetly as he exhaled. Was he falling in love with her too? It seemed that neither of them wanted the moment to end. Sarah savored Brad’s warmth and strength. It felt so right, so natural, as though he and she had been lovers in times past. This is where I belong, she thought, in his arms.

Authors’ Biographies:

John began his writing as a full-time occupation after an extensive business career. His specialty is thriller fiction novels, but John also writes poetry and short stories. His first book, My GRL, introduces the exciting adventures of the book’s central character, John J. Cannon. The second Cannon novel, His Revenge, continues the adventure, while the final book in the trilogy, Our Justice, launched in September 2016. The last, Circumstances of Childhood is a family life thriller story and launched October 2017. All books are available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions.

John lives in Port Aransas, Texas with his wife and their spoiled rescue pets.

Gwen had a lengthy career in higher education, and it was there that she published her first book, Beyond Boundaries, for students interested in volunteer work in developing countries. After she retired, she wrote her award-winning memoir, Letting Go into Perfect Love.

A visit to Staci Troilo’s blog will demonstrate just how pleased Gwen and I are to be guesting there today. Staci is a very talented writer and a member of the Story Empire team. She also strongly believes in author networking and is supportive of those authors who could use some recognition. Thank you, Staci, for helping us with The Contract launch.

Thank you so much, Staci. This is incredible — even The Contract header. WOW. I so appreciate your announcement and encouragement. Through your kindness, and that of others, our book is flying through the outer reaches of the internet world. ♥